Suntop Lookout, Skookum Flats — Saturday, Sep. 2, 2023

Decided to hike Skookum Flats today with our 9, 7, and 3 year old. Our first time here. This is a lovely riverside ramble with beautiful views along the way, although the falls viewpoint is sadly just a trickle at this time of year. I’d wait until spring if you want to see the falls. The trail is fairly wide and easy though, our 3 year old did most of it by himself. And my son spotted 3 garter snakes coiled together right by the trail, that was fun! There was plenty of room in the parking area when we arrived at 10 but overflowing when we left around 12:45.
Then we headed up to the Suntop Fire Lookout, and found that both gates were open so we drove straight up. This was a major highlight for all of us including the kids! The volunteers there were so kind, knowledgeable about the tower, and taught us a lot about forest fire safety while patiently answering all the kids’ and our own questions and showing the kids how all the equipment works! Forest Service volunteers sleep and eat in the tower during their shift. Imagine falling asleep and waking up to those gorgeous 360 views while also keeping our forests safe every single day!? Highly recommend a visit.